ATGLEN, PA — The Octorara Area School Board approved more than $2.7 million in spending, advanced major facility upgrade plans, and enacted a wide range of staffing and policy changes during its April meetings, setting the stage for significant operational and capital decisions in the months ahead.
What This Means for You
- More than $2.7 million in district spending and multiple contracts were approved
- The district is pursuing over $11 million in state funding for facility upgrades
- Staffing changes, summer programs, and policy updates were approved ahead of the next school year
The actions were finalized during the board’s regular meeting Monday, following a detailed work session held the prior week that previewed many of the approvals and outlined longer-term priorities.
Budget and Financial Approvals
The board approved $2,751,771.98 in general fund expenditures, along with $109,528.29 in cafeteria fund spending, as part of its regular bill list.
Board members also approved the 2026-2027 Chester County Intermediate Unit Core Services Budget totaling $50,180,724 and the Occupational Education Budget of $34,574,320, which fund shared services and career training programs used by multiple districts across the county.
Finance Committee discussions indicated the district is continuing work on its 2026-2027 preliminary budget, with final adoption scheduled for a special meeting on Monday, June 22.
Facility Upgrades and Capital Planning
During the April 13 work session, the board approved resolutions to pursue more than $11 million in state funding through the Commonwealth Finance Authority for middle school upgrades.
The requests include:
- $5,000,000 for chiller plant upgrades
- $1,763,656 for HVAC improvements
- $4,332,721 for electrical system upgrades
Officials also reported ongoing planning tied to a broader facilities strategy, including coordination with engineering firms and consultants on future cost estimates and project timelines.
Contracts and Operational Spending
The board approved multiple service and consulting agreements affecting instructional programs and district operations.
Among the approvals:
- A consulting agreement with Literacy Defined, LLC for literacy instruction and assessment support, not to exceed $75,000
- Legal and professional services agreements with Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams LLP for special education support and training
- A wastewater treatment operations contract with PreDoc at $4,600 per month through June 30, 2029
- Preventative maintenance services and equipment upgrades, including a $10,900 maintenance contract and a $6,452 equipment replacement
The board also approved participation in a cooperative purchasing agreement for energy-related audit and grant support services.
Staffing Changes and Program Support
A series of personnel changes were approved, including multiple resignations across instructional and support roles and new hires in custodial and maintenance positions.
New maintenance employees were approved at salaries of approximately $51,000, while a custodial position was filled at a prorated salary of $41,600.
The board also approved staffing for several summer and student-focused programs, including:
- A Kindergarten Readiness Program running June 30 through July 30, with hourly pay ranging from $24 to $40
- An Extended School Year (ESY) program operating late June through July, with similar hourly staffing rates
- A student co-op program paying $15 per hour for hands-on work experience
Additional approvals included game workers for the current school year and supplemental coaching contracts for the upcoming year.
Strategic Planning and District Direction
During the April 13 work session, district administrators presented a five-year Strategic Roadmap designed to guide long-term decision-making and improve student outcomes.
The plan outlines focus areas including academic achievement, multi-tiered systems of support, student behavior, safety and security, facilities planning, and charter school strategy.
Officials described the roadmap as a continuous improvement framework intended to align district initiatives and resources.
Policy Updates and Governance
The board approved several policy changes across two readings, including updates related to charter schools, student and staff dress codes, working periods, tax collection, and anti-discrimination policies.
Committee reports indicated continued review of policy changes and financial planning as the district prepares for the next fiscal year.
Community, Student, and Program Highlights
The board recognized student athletes for winter sports achievements and approved financial support for two students to compete in the International Young Physicist Tournament in Switzerland.
Donations were also accepted, including $5,000 to support an eighth-grade field trip and $1,000 designated for families in need through a local outreach organization.
Next Steps
The board will continue budget development and capital planning discussions through May, with committee meetings scheduled throughout the month. A final vote on the 2026-2027 budget is expected in June as the district prepares for the upcoming school year.
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